que pensez vous des potences reglables ? en avez vous dejà utilisé ?
jusqu'à il y a peu je les considerais comme des accessoires gadgets peu fiables et lourds mais ...voilà :
je fais regulièrement du vtt avec une amie et nous envisageons, avec nos mêmes montures, de faire des randonnées sur plusieurs jours et sur petites routes de campagne ; sur nos vtt nous avons une position plutot sportive et nous avons remarqué que sur les longs bouts droits roulants nous avons tendance à chercher à relever la tête et à prendre une position plus redressée, plus touristes le nez en l'air ;
je me demande donc si, pour les longues randos sur route, une potence reglable pourrait nous satisfaire ....par exemple : plusieurs kms de plat, on relève la potence et on roule le nez au vent en profitant du paysage ! un col à monter et hop on baisse la potence pour la position adequate !
qu'en pensez vous ? en fait ma plus grosse crainte se porterait sur la fiabilité de l'articulation et je ne l'utiliserais pas en vtt pur mais pour faire de la route ....
j'ai vu un modèle MBK et un BBB qui se ressemblent, tous les deux noirs, quelqu'un les a t-il dejà testé ?
J'en avais une sur le B'Twin, elle ne m'a servi à rien sinon du poid en plus.
Je m'explique.
C'est un argument classique des assembleurs / fabricants pour du VTC-cyclo tourisme que de proposer et accessoire comme un avantage. Le fait qu'elle soit réglable n'est utile que lors des premiers tours de roues après l'achat. Ca permet de trouver effectivement la bonne position (c'est à dire celle où on est bien, pas celle des différentes "écoles"). Une fois fait, et bien je n'y ai plus jamais touchée. Car il ne faut pas se leurrer, tu ne va pas sortir 10 fois dans la journée la clef Allen pour régler sa potence en fonction du terrain !
Si tu ne te sens pas à l'aise avec ta position VTT, c'est qu'à la base ta potence n'est peut être la bonne dès le départ. A moins de rouler avec une potence dite de "cross country" (angle proche de 0 voir négatif et grande longueur), tu ne devrais pas être "mal à l'aise" sur du bitume. J'ai 2 VTTs différents, je n'ai jamais eu le moindre souci de mal de nuque ou de dos à cause des potences, même lors des liaisons sur la route.
Donc à toi de voir, soit tu changes ta potence actuelle pour un modèle plus court et plus relevé mais standard (ça ne coûte pas très cher) soit tu te diriges vers un modèle réglable où tu trouveras à coup sur la position (mais avec du poids en plus) mais je suis prêt à parier que tu la laisseras comme ça tout le temps.
Pour la fiabilité, jamais eu le moindre problème avec ce gros modèle en particulier (fixation sur le tube de direction en 1"1/8).
B&R
" Trois vélos ? Mais tu n'as que deux jambes ! " (remarque incrédule d'une néophyte du cycle, découvrant mon garage)
Je suis d'accord avec Bike&Roll : ça ne semble pas très réaliste de changer la hauteur de la potence en cours de rando. En général tu as un compteur enroulé autour des câbles de frein et tripoter le fil pour le rallonger ou le raccourcir à chaque modification de hauteur de potence, ce n'est pas génial non plus.
Ceci dit j'ai le même pb que toi : nuque cassée sur mon VTT (modifié en pneux lisses pour la route). Avec mal de dos en fin de journée... Explication : je suis perchée bien trop haut sur ma selle par rapport au guidon (en contrebas).
J'ai acheté une potence réglable articulée (25€).
Au final : ca ne change pas grand-chose, ni en bien ni en mal : j'ai réglé la potence sur la hauteur maximale pour gagner quelques précieux centimètres et ça ne m'empêche pas de monter un col comme avant (mais bon de toute façon je ne monte pas vite :)).
Et ça ne soulage pas non plus vraiment de la position cou tordu pour voir le paysage. J'ai toujours la nuque raide en fin de journée. De toute façon, la seule position sympa c'est celle du vélo hollandais et là, adieu les cols.
Ceci dit la nouvelle potence est à peine plus lourde qu'une potence courte classique, c'est pas trop cher, et il se peut qu'en rajoutant des "cornes" en bout de guidon je finisse par trouver la bonne position.
En plus, d'un simple point de vue psychologique, avec une potence réglable on a au moins l'impression de faire quelque chose d'utile pour soulager son mal de dos, et rien que ça c'est bon pour le moral !
Il n'y a pas 36 000 raisons d'avoir mal au dos / nuque sur un VTT...
longueur du tube central : certains VTT ont une position + ou - allongée à cause de cette valeur.
longueur de la potence : + la valeur est élevée, plus tu es allongé(e), par contre, on perd en maniabilité
angle de la potence : à partir de 10° positif, on commence à se redresser.
cintre droit ou en "V". Avec la mode du freeride, on trouve des cintres en V très reposants.
hauteur de la selle : il faut trouver le bon compromis entre confort et efficacité (trop haut, on a mal aux jambles, trop bas, ce sont les lombaires qui prennent.)
Un bon vélociste doit être capable de vous trouver les bonnes valeurs, certaines marques font même une étude posturale (payante) via un programme informatique.
Je le répète, en dehors d'un problème ponctuel, il n'est pas normal d'avoir systématiquement mal au dos sur son vélo. Où alors, c'est qu'il y a eu un mauvais choix de fait quelque part.
Où alors, il faut passer au bent (vélo couché) 😉 !
B&R
" Trois vélos ? Mais tu n'as que deux jambes ! " (remarque incrédule d'une néophyte du cycle, découvrant mon garage)
J'ai une potence réglable sur Grimp'tout et j'en suis vraiment content.
Cela permet de regler une position plus ou moins haute sur le vélo... surtout en fonction de l'humeur d'ailleurs. C'est aussi très pratique pour "plier" le guidon lorsque l'on doit ranger le vélo, pour le mettre dans l'avion par exemple.
L'idée de changer la position en cours de route en fonction du parcours, je n'en suis pas vraiment convaincu... M'arreterais pas pour ça moi ;-)
Si le vélo de voyage est aussi le vtt des randos sportives alors c'est peut être une bonne solution pour pouvoir disposer de "deux potences" à moindre frais
AMHA si c'est pour disposer en route de plusieurs positions différentes, rien ne vaut un bon guidon papaillon qui laisse une infinité de places pour les mains.
Pour rien au monde je ne me déferait de mon couple guidon papillon potence réglable.
Arnaud
Site Voyages à vélo : cyclosite.be
Ce message, issu de l'agriculture biologique, a été rédigé avec des électrons recyclés. En conséquence, il est possible que des fautes d'orthographes s'y soient malencontreusement glissées.
je vous rassure je n'avais pas l'intention de sortir la clé au moindre changement de profil du terrain, c'etait au mieux la veille d'une rando mettre la potence à la position la plus adaptée !
en fait c'est surtout mon amie qui cherche une solution à ça : cervicales fragiles + position haute sur la selle + recente chute en vtt + recommandations du kiné = ?
comme nous n'arrivons pas à nous decider entre une potence reglable et une potence relevée, dans un premier temps elle a choisit de tester des embouts de guidon, ce qui lui donnera dejà une autre possibilité de position
pour ma part je supporte largement ma potence à peine inclinée, mais ma selle est plus basse, donc j'ai une position plus redressée
Quelle type de potence réglable me conseilleriez vous pour mon vélo (utilisation lors de voyages de plusieurs jours voir quelques mois avec guidon papillon)?…
Sur mon pliant Tilt 9 la position est en position assise. je veux une position un peu penchée. pour cela il faut que je déplace vers l'avant le quidon. j'ai…
Nous partons l'année prochaine en Mai 2014 avec ma copine en vélo de Bretagne jusqu'en Mongolie en empruntant un bon tronçon de la route de la soie!! Nous…
Je essayerai d'expliquer mon probleme le plus simplemente possible. J'ai deja un ancien velo course auquel j'ai installe toutes les pieces detaches "custom" -…
😎Fellow traveling cyclists or not, all of you who love travel, the pleasure of physical effort, nature, beautiful machines, people with true passions they seek to fulfill, and who also enjoy reading great literature about all this—the *200* magazine is for you just as it is for me. I should mention I have no financial or other interest in this (in an era where we accuse our politicians of all sorts of vile interests, I prefer to take precautions). I’ve been subscribed since the beginning, and every three months, I get my 130 pages of dreams (the magazine just went from 110 to 130 pages).
It covers everything from the trans-America route to the TCR (Trans Continental Race) from Belgium to a small town in Turkey, with mind-blowing averages—4,000 km and 80,000 m of elevation gain in 8 days and 15 hours for the winner. Let that sink in, and all of it without assistance—accepting a patch could penalize you. There’s also a story about crossing Iran, encountering one of the world’s most welcoming populations, following in the footsteps of Nicolas Bouvier, as well as retirees leisurely traversing France. The common thread in all these stories? Beautiful writing. Take, for example, a stunning article: *"Passengers of the Cold: From Edinburgh to Thurso, at the very north of Scotland, 550 km of moors, coasts, and icy wind. In Thurso, the road ends at a quay, facing the Orkney Islands. We wanted a November trip, off-season. We wanted to surprise winter. Just before the snow."* A sublime piece on the experience of facing adversity and the chance encounters along the road and in the elements.
Before I embarked on my own bike trips, I dreamed a lot about them—from the Atacama to the Gobi, along the Mekong, and not forgetting France. And now, these 130 pages every quarter keep those dreamy vibes alive through stories written in the most beautiful prose.
I’ll stop here because it might sound like I’m advertising, but if you don’t know *200*, I invite you to discover it. It’ll give you wings for the most incredible challenges or simply reinforce your desire for slow rides with your eyes open to others and nature.
A little news to wrap up: Axel Carion and a friend just broke the record for crossing South America from Colombia to Ushuaia in 59 days. On its own, that doesn’t mean much, but I can’t help it—it makes me dream. You should see how he talks about it, the flashes of that wild nature he’s stored away: a snowstorm at Paso Jama and the surreal sight of the suddenly snow-covered Licancabur!
Luc
PS: The magazine is called *200* because a day’s ride starts at 200 km—well, I’ve never done a ride like that since my longest was 167 km (with 18 kg of luggage, mind you), but why not one day? The magazine will explain how to tackle your first 200, and then the question in conclusion: when will you do your first 300?😏
Recherche coéquipière de voyage à vélo (arrivée en avion à Porto Alegre Brésil et pédaler direction Montevideo, Uruguay, retour par avion vers la France de Buenos AiresArgentine)1500 KM
Bonjour à toutes !
Je prépare un voyage à vélo à travers le Brésil, l'Uruguay et l'Argentine, avec un départ envisagé entre fin octobre, novembre ou décembre. Je recherche compagne de route pour partager cette aventure au long cours.
expérience :
J'ai déjà une bonne expérience du cyclotourisme Géorgie, Kazakhstan et Kirghizistan. Actuellement, je garde une excellente condition physique en pédalant en moyenne 250 km sur 3 jours par semaine.(chaque jour 4h , 20 km/h)
Le voyage & le rythme :
Rythme quotidien : Entre 50 et 80 km par jour, pour progresser régulièrement tout en prenant le temps de découvrir.
Hébergement : Mode flexible et authentique. Nous alternerons entre bivouac sauvage, camping, Warmshowers, petites pensions et petits hôtels selon les opportunités et la météo.
Au plaisir de lire ton message et de préparer cette belle traversée ensemble !
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires.
I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time).
I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral.
I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough?
And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed
story being posted online soon
1100 km in 11 days
beautiful and varied regions
Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
Hello,
Has anyone here had experience using a gas stove in Sardinia and Sicily? I’m wondering if screw-on gas canisters (not the blue Campingaz ones, but brands like Coleman, Primus, etc.) are easy to find.
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August!
Virginie
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam.
My question is about getting back to Nantes.
Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes.
By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains.
We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance!
Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
I’m planning to build a new touring bike.
I want to prioritize lightness.
That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads.
The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper.
I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork.
Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm.
It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring.
And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear.
More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena
vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes
Here are his travels
Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné
Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way
Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place
Rural and quite peaceful
A road cycling route created by Serge B...
First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025.
It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border.
We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
